The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) is set to establish a learning and development center for certified courses on public health. IHVN Chief Executive Officer, Dr Patrick Dakum stated this at a media parley in Abuja to mark the organization’s 20th anniversary.
“Over the years we have come a long way. We have two centers, a public health implementation center and the International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE). We will partner with universities both locally and overseas to ensure that we have short-term and long-term trainings, “he said.
Dr. Dakum explained that the Institute is already offering short-term trainings which will be institutionalized and said that the center will explore certificate, diploma and masters courses that will contribute to public health. According to him, the training will incorporate both theory and practical sessions with treatment centers which the Institute is collaborating with.
“We will not be a university, but we will be a center that will host and participate in training. We will commence construction of the facility in October 2024. It will be a five-story building with a conference center that will seat 500 people. There will be halls, classrooms, meeting rooms, and a 70 to 100-room guest house attached to it,” he added.
The IHVN Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah and Executive Director of the International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) Prof. Alash’le Abimiku were also at the press briefing and responded to questions about the Institute’s activities.
Since its inception in 2004, IHVN has built the capacity of more than 50,000 healthcare providers to provide quality prevention, care, and treatment services as well as research and laboratory services.
The Institute is commemorating its 20th anniversary with theme “Celebrating two decades of excellence in public health implementation, capacity building, and research.”